Market round-up: European markets hold steady

NEWS European markets fell today in the aftermath of yesterday's missile attacks in Afghanistan. But trading picked up in the late afternoon and by 4.30pm (BST) the DAX was up 0.21 per cent, and the CAC had gained 0.8 per cent on earlier lows. The FTSE also perked up, managing to climb 0.14 per cent above the 5,000 mark for the first time since the 11 September attacks. Software firm Invenys led technology stocks in the UK. Shares were up 24.3 per cent by 4.30pm (BST). Invenys said it will meet expected first half results after issuing three profit warnings in the past year.